If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

WWII Japanese Rifle Cleaning Kit

Thirty-some years ago I was browsing in an antique store with a lady friend and came across this heavy steel box. The Store tag said "WWII Japanese Rifle Cleaning Kit". I was interested but didn't have five bucks to spend on such a thing so I passed. On my next birthday she presented it to me! Well always the savy collector I knew right away this was too heavy for a soldier to carry around for cleaning his rifle. Obviously went with a heavy machine gun.
At the time, I was working with a man who's parents had immigrated from Japan, so I asked him to have his mom translate what it says on the box. Simple right? Two weeks later she finally sent me the box back with this note;
So I have a really nice CHINESE Sewing Machine Hand Tool Kit!
(and I know an old Jap lady who does what she says she's gonna do, even if it's not so simple!)

The smaller can looks like the WW2 Japanese Infantry oil bottle carried in the cartridge pouch.How big is the one you have?Dorsey and Shaffer's book on Gun Tools illustrate one with a measurement 3 7/32 high 1 15/16 wide.The other can looks like one issued with some German MGs for oil.The box may be unrelated to the contents.

Small can is 2 11/16 high, 1 15/16 wide. The large can fits nicely in a compartment of the box. Small can fits diagonally in the space next to it, maybe not original. No markings anywhere other than what you can see in the photo's.